Are you the Pawn or the King, today?

Do great minds always think alike?

Are you being authentic or conforming?

Statistically, 30% of people practice authenticity, which leaves 70% conforming to what is expected by society.

Is it easier to fit in than being true to who you are?

I am no expert or therapist, but I know first-hand that the biggest hurdle in becoming authentic and achieving dreams, is our limiting beliefs in ourselves. This is what is crippling our progress to reach our full potential.

Do you ever feel like the person most getting in your way is.... YOU!?

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of holding myself back.

Irrespective of your background, upbringing, or culture, you get to choose your mindset.

I have learned that what my culture, society expectations, and parents have taught me, doesn’t always help me in the real world, especially in the corporate. I have learned and believe today that the most important thing in life when collaborating with others, is respect.

Holding back your thoughts and opinions because there are "brass" in the room with more stars or stripes than you, will take you nowhere in this world. I was called out many years ago by my CIO, who asked me to stop placing people on pedestals. That hit hard!

When you are placed in a room like this, think of the "brass" as humans just like you. Show respect, and you will be respected.

At the turn of the century, a professor in behavioral science, Amy C. Edmondson, coined the term psychological safety. A term you may have heard being tossed around in the office when the team speaks about being able to voice their opinions or failing without being placed in the spotlight and named and shamed.

I believe that as individuals we have more control over our own psychological safety than the people around us. We have full control of who we are, our confidence, our belief system, our values, our integrity, what we know, and our courage to be able to feel that we can speak our mind with respect to others. If I show respect, I will be respected, and if I am respected, I will build trust, and trust is the foundation for building relationships and teams.

I start all relationships with trust as I have no reason not to trust the person whose hand I have just shook. Then there are others who believe that trust must be earned. The question is, If you don’t trust from the first handshake, does the same apply the same for respect towards that person?

Removing the mask, becoming more authentic in who we are, and believing in ourselves, will lead to building better relationships, improved self-esteem, and increased happiness. Yes, we may lose some friends along the way, however, we will attract others who appreciate us for who we are.

People come and go in our lives, but the right ones will always stay.

The start of this journey is with self-reflection. You must build the courage to look at your own reflection in the mirror and understand who you are, what those subconscious behavior drivers are, the triggers, values, and beliefs. Those little things that irritate you about others are generally your own flaws.

No one is perfect, so embrace your flaws, as it's what makes you who you are. There is no such thing as perfect. Accept and embrace your imperfections.

Stick to speaking the truth. Your integrity is pivotal to your character. This sets you free and allows you to repeat the same story over, and over without thinking about it.

Choose your circles. Circles with similar mindsets. Create a community, if needed, to help you stay in tune with your growth goals.

Ask for help. You will be surprised just how many people will stand up to help if you just ask. Choose a mentor to help you through the paces. Try new things that will stretch you to become the new you.

You may think that the grass is greener on the other side, but if you take the time to water your own grass it will be just as green.

Inside every person you know, there is a peron you don't know.

What matters most is how you see yourself

Your time is limited, so don’t live someone else’s life - Steve Jobs

Time is the only currency you spend without ever knowing your balance. Use it wisely